TO:Andrew P. Powers, City Manager
FROM:Nader Heydari, Public Works Director
DATE:April 14, 2026
SUBJECT: Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Transfer of Property to Conejo Recreation and Park District (524 West Janss Road) RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve Purchase and Sale Agreement for the sale of City-owned property located at 524 West Janss Road [Assessor Parcel Number (APN) 552-0-034-125] to the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) for the development of a neighborhood park that is compatible with adjacent land uses.
2. Approve License Agreement for the Use and Maintenance of the Public Right- of-Way Adjacent to 524 West Janss Road (APN 552-0-034-125) to the CRPD (License Agreement) for the development of community park and recreational facilities that are compatible with adjacent land uses.
3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to effectuate the sale of property at 524 West Janss Road (APN 552-0-034-125) to CRPD pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase and Sale Agreement, and issue the License Agreement to CRPD.
4. Find the project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines pursuant to Class 25 Section 15325 Transfer of Ownership in Land.
LEVINE ACT ITEM: No
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No Additional Funding Requested. Minimal staff time required to prepare the report and associated documents is included in the Adopted FY 2025-26 Landscape Fund Budget. $100,000 is included in the FY 2025-26 Landscaping Assessment District Fund for Janss Road Open Space Parcel Conversion (CI 5769) for one-time capital infrastructure modifications that are needed to transfer the property. Transferring the property to CRPD for park purposes will reduce future ongoing utility and maintenance costs for the City.
Purchase and Sale Agreement (524 West Janss Road)
April 14, 2026
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BACKGROUND:
On August 24, 1983, the developer of Tract 3465-1 dedicated the 1.1-acre, triangular-shaped property at 524 West Janss Road to the City for open space purposes, as recorded in Book 97 Pages 67-73 in the County of Ventura Records. The property borders two separate residential tracts, on the north and south sides of West Janss Road (Attachment #1). Since that time, the City's Public Works Landscaping Division has maintained the landscaping and trees on the property, which primarily consist of trees and shrubs.
As a result of the 2022 statewide drought emergency and City Council’s subsequent October 25, 2022, Ordinance No. 1705-NS regarding water conservation that included a citywide prohibition on watering non-functional turf, the City ceased watering the grass turf at the open space parcel. In addition, the State of California passed Assembly Bill 1572, banning the watering of non- functional turf on commercial or institutional properties effective January 1, 2027. Until then, the 2022 ordinance remains in effect.
Non-functional turf is defined as grass that is not regularly used for active and ongoing recreational, civic, or community events. This City-owned property, currently a tree-filled open space parcel, is therefore considered non-functional turf. Since 2022, landscaping maintenance at the site has focused on watering and preserving the various trees and shrubs. However, nearby residents have requested that the City resume watering the turf or take other measures to improve the appearance and usability of the open space. By transferring this parcel to CRPD and converting it to a neighborhood park, portions of the parcel can qualify as functional turf, allowing CRPD to water.
On October 7, 2025, City Council approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to negotiate the transfer of 524 West Janss Road to the CRPD. In addition, City Council declared the property as exempt surplus land, contingent upon the property being transferred to the CRPD in compliance with all the applicable requirements of California Government Code Section 54221(f)(1)(D). On November 14, 2025, the California Department of Housing and Community Development approved the exempt surplus land finding. On November 17, 2025, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65402, the Planning Commission determined that the transfer of property is consistent with the goals and policies described within the Land Use and Parks and Open Space Elements of the General Plan.
Thousand Oaks Municipal Code 9-13.201 requires City Council to hold a public hearing regarding the disposition of open space. A public hearing was duly noticed for April 14, 2026.
Purchase and Sale Agreement (524 West Janss Road)
April 14, 2026
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DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
The property represents a fairly large (1.1 acre) open space area that is available to the public. However, prolonged lack of irrigation and watering has resulted in the grass turning yellow, raising concerns among the neighborhood residents. Since the City is unable to water the existing turf, to restore the site’s beauty and increase the use of this long-term usability and benefit of the open space area, staff recommends transferring the property to CRPD. This would not only enhance and increase the community's overall recreational infrastructure portfolio but also fulfill the City’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for residents.
Given the property’s position among multiple residential cul-de-sacs along Janss Road and the adjacent Lynn Road, the site is within walking or riding distance to many community members’ homes. The open space is street-accessible on the north and south sides and already acts as a place for families to gather.
A transfer of the parcel to CRPD will transform the City-owned tree-filled open space parcel to official park status and allow the primary local park agency to operate the space as an ongoing recreational area. This would convert the site to functional status, thereby enabling some restoration of irrigated functional turf since active CRPD park sites are exempt from the City’s turf watering prohibition.
Along the south edge of the park, adjacent to the rear side of homes along Ferndale Place and Darkwood Circle, there is a wooded public right-of-way not included in the 1.1-acre lot. A sidewalk traverses this area, connecting foot traffic from Ferndale Place to Janss Road.
Transfer of the property to CRPD will also result in long-term savings and benefits for the City by reducing the City’s maintenance costs and free up City resources for other properties. Moreover, CRPD has the ability to enhance the site into a vibrant community space, fostering recreational opportunities and promoting public welfare.
Purchase and Sale & License Agreements
The Purchase and Sale Agreement (Attachment #2) transfers ownership of the 524 West Janss Road property “as-is” to CRPD for $1.00. The Purchase and Sale Agreement provides for a 120 day investigation period during which time the City will complete limited capital improvements at the property, including separation of the irrigation system. Thereafter, upon receipt of $1.00, the City will convey the property to CRPD by grant deed.
Purchase and Sale Agreement (524 West Janss Road)
April 14, 2026
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Negotiations with CRPD included the wooded public right-of-way that is not contained in the 1.1-acre lot being sold, along the rear-side of the Ferndale Place and Darkwood Circle homes. CRPD is interested in utilizing and maintaining the right-of-way through the granting of a License Agreement (Attachment #3). The License Agreement includes insurance, indemnity, and assignment provisions, as well as other terms and conditions; and grants CRPD the non-exclusive ability to encroach in the right-of-way. Through the License Agreement, the public’s use of the property shall not be unreasonably restricted, and CRPD shall clean and maintain the travel pathway through the right-of-way, as well as all landscaping, sidewalks, irrigation, and other utilities on the Property at CRPD’s sole expense.
City Financial Contribution
In addition to the allocation of staff time for document preparation for this transaction, there are one-time capital costs associated with transferring the property to CRPD. The deactivated irrigation system within the site must be separated from the irrigation water pipelines that supply the landscaped median along Janss Road. There is a similar irrigation configuration to be modified along the south property edge right-of-way. The FY 2025-26 Adopted Capital Improvement Budget, Janss Road Open Space Parcel Conversion Project (CI 5769), includes $100,000 for these one-time capital infrastructure modifications. Staff is currently facilitating these improvements. It is anticipated that CRPD will maintain the water irrigation systems for 524 West Janss Road and the adjacent right-of-way area going forward under a separate metered account.
Environmental Review
The project was analyzed for conformance with CEQA, and City Council determined that the proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA pursuant to Class 25 Section 15325 - Transfers of Ownership in Land.
Furthermore, it has been determined that none of the six exceptions to the use of a Categorical Exemption applies to this project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).
Public Outreach
Public Works staff has been in direct correspondence with several of the property neighbors and will continue to inform the community members of the site status and the timeline for the transfer to CRPD. CRPD will conduct their own public outreach regarding their plans for the open space parcel.
Purchase and Sale Agreement (524 West Janss Road)
April 14, 2026
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Conclusion
The proposed project meets the intent of the City’s standards, codes, and policies, and will contribute to overall community amenities. Based on the analysis and findings contained in this report, staff recommends approval of the purchase and sale agreement and license agreement.
COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE:
Meets the following City Council goals:
C. Operate City government in a fiscally and managerially responsible and prudent manner to ensure that the City of Thousand Oaks remains one of California's most desirable places to live, work, visit, recreate, and raise a family.
F. Provide and enhance essential infrastructure to ensure that the goals and policies of the Thousand Oaks General Plan are carried out and the City retains its role and reputation as a leader in protecting the environment and preserving limited natural resources.
H. Participate in public-private and multi-jurisdictional opportunities to ensure residents have access to high levels of parks, recreation, education and leisure programs and services.
PREPARED BY: H. Ted Gerber, Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer Attachments:
Attachment #1 – Vicinity and Location Maps
Attachment #2 – Purchase and Sale Agreement
Attachment #3 – License Agreement
DPW: 420-59; 421-80\ev\Council\2026\041426\Purchase and Sale Agreement (524 W Janss Rd) staff report.docx